Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival),
observed
throughout Japan. This festival is held
in honor of young girls to wish them a
future of happiness. In homes where
there are girls, dolls dressed in ancient
costumes representing the emperor,
empress, and dignitaries are set up on a
tier of shelves, along with miniature
household articles. Many hotels also
showcase doll displays in their lobbies.
March 3.
Daruma Ichi Doll Festival,
Jindaiji
Temple (take the Keio Line to Tsutsu-
jigaoka Station). A
daruma
is a legless,
pear-shaped doll modeled after Bodhid-
harma, who founded the Zen sect in
the 6th century and is said to have lost
the use of his limbs from sitting 9 years
in the lotus position on the way to
enlightenment. Stalls here sell daruma
with blank spots for eyes—according to
custom, you're supposed to paint in one
eye while making a wish; when your
wish is fulfilled, you paint in the other
eye. March 3 and 4.
Vernal Equinox Day,
a national holi-
day. Throughout the week, Buddhist
temples hold ceremonies to pray for the
souls of the departed. March 20.
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry-Blossom
Season).
The bursting forth of cherry
blossoms represents the birth of spring
for Tokyoites, who gather en masse
under the trees to drink sake, eat, and
be merry. Popular cherry-viewing spots
in Tokyo include Ueno Park, Yasukuni
Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Aoyama
Bochi Cemetery, Sumida Koen Park in
Asakusa, and the moat encircling the
Imperial Palace, especially Chidorigafu-
chi Park. Late March to early April.
Tokyo International Anime Fair,
Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba (www.tokyo
anime.jp). One of the world's largest
Japanese animation events draws more
than 100 production companies, TV
and film agencies, toy and game soft-
ware companies, publishers, and other
anime
-related companies. Usually last
weekend in March.
A
PRIL
Kanamara Matsuri,
Kanayama Shrine,
Kawasaki (just outside Tokyo). This
festival extols the joys of sex and fertility
(and, more recently, raised awareness
about AIDS), featuring a parade of
giant phalluses, some carried by trans-
vestites. Needless to say, it's not your
average festival, and you can get some
unusual photographs here. First Sunday
in April.
Buddha's Birthday
(also called Hana
Matsuri, or Floral Festival), nationwide.
Ceremonies are held at every Buddhist
temple, where a small image of Buddha
is displayed and doused with a sweet tea
called
amacha
in an act of devotion.
April 8.
Asakusa Yabusama
(Horseback
Archery), Sumida Koen Park, Asakusa.
Marksmen in traditional costume show
their prowess in archery while galloping
on horses. A Saturday in mid-April.
Kamakura Matsuri,
Tsurugaoka
Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. The
festival honors heroes from the past,
including Yoritomo Minamoto, who
made Kamakura his shogunate capital
back in 1192. Highlights include horse-
back archery (truly spectacular to
watch), a parade of portable shrines,
and sacred dances. Second to third Sun-
day in April.
Yayoi Matsuri,
Futarasan Shrine in
Nikko. Featured is a parade of gaily
decorated floats. April 16 and 17.
Showa Day,
a national holiday. Named
after Emperor Showa and celebrated on
his birthday. April 29.
Golden Week,
a major holiday period
nationwide. It's a crowded time to
travel, so making reservations is a must.
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